Replacing a white tile countertop

Sandra Peters
by Sandra Peters
Has anyone tackled the replacement of a tile countertop with a granite countertop?
  4 answers
  • William William on Nov 28, 2016

    The choices for a new counter include granite, stone tiles, laminates and porcelain tile. Each installation requires different substrates and installation procedures. For example, granite may rest on top of cabinets without the need for any plywood or backerboard substrate. Stone tiles, however, need a firm plywood base along with backerboard or a similar water resistant membrane. Since granite countertops do not require a substrate, they are laid directly on top of the cabinets. The tile countertop, along with the substrate, would need to be romoved. Then the granite fabricator can measure for the granite countertop. You choose the granite slab, they cut and fabricate it to your spacifications. They do the installation of the granite countertop. This is not for the DIY. You can remove the tile countertop and ready for the granite install.

  • Sherri Sherri on Nov 29, 2016

    When remodeling our kitchen, we took out the tile countertop, added some new cabinets and had Granit installed. (I love it!) You do not need anything on top of the cabinets for the granite to be installed. The installer will measure, make a template and install the granite. Now, I will tell you from experience, go to a granite warehouse and pick out "your" granite slab. Big box stores will give you a small sample that is hard to tell what it will look like when installed. At the warehouse, (yes, its worth the drive if you don't have any close) you will see the actual slab that your tops will be made from. Most installers will work with you on how you want the granite design to lay. It is well worth the extra to pick your granite, and there are literally 100's to choose from, in all price ranges.

  • Kia Kia on Dec 02, 2016

    many places don't let you install yourself unless it's laminate. i order quartz counters and they did the measure and install.

  • Melissa V Melissa V on Dec 15, 2016

    Sandra, I am right there with you! We have some poorly installed and grouted 4x4" white tiles on our kitchen counters and I have been waiting for the easy solution for updating. I'm thinking of going with quartz for durability and cost. And it comes in standard lengths making it more DIY friendly. Let me know what you decide, I'm still thinking about mine!